Promoting Equitable Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities

Through Innovation, Training and Technical Assistance

INNOVATIVE PROJECTS

As we all know, cookie-cutter solutions are rarely the best answer when facing challenges in our lives. WiSe is committed to trying new and innovative ways to support people in their communities. Our current projects are highlighted here for your review.

We provide training to agencies, employers, school districts and other groups interested in equitable employment for people with developmental disabilities. Here you will find the On Demand training, links to our Webinar offerings, and other local training opportunities!

Many years of experience assisting teachers, students and parents in the transition from school to employment can make a difference in your District. Click on the "Read More" button to access resources as well as individual County information.

The Washington Initiative for Supported Employment can provide practical, hands-on technical assistance to your organization on subjects pertaining to employment for people with developmental disabilities.

Recent Blogs

October 2016
An Open Letter to All,
October is Disability Employment Month. We celebrate the employment successes of people with disabilities, have respect for people's contributions, and at the same time know we must expand and improve employment outcomes in communities across the country.
We know that disability and poverty are stubbornly intertwined. We know that we can do better to create and support decent jobs for people with disabilities. When asked, jobs are always one of the top three goals of most people with disabilities. We know that we have amazing examples of successes in …
By:James Corey

October Disability Awareness month came and went, across the state of Washington various communities celebrated in fine form. This year Vancouver, WA hosted their 15th annual Clark County Employment Celebration. The event brings the community together to showcase employment success stories, and highlight employers and employees who capture the essence of supported employment. The event took place at the Heathman Lodge, and hosted 250 people. There was live music by Jonathan Chase the emcee was Kelly Love the President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, speeches by …
By:James Corey

WISE celebrates the contributions Mike Maley has made over the last several years to shepherd Employment First to the forefront in Oregon. His tireless efforts and leadership have been instrumental in putting Oregon on track to become a leader in Employment across the nation.
Oregon DHS announces the retirement of Mike Maley, Statewide Employment First Coordinator
Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Director Jerry Waybrant announced today that Mike Maley will retire on December 31, 2015. Mike has been Oregon’s Statewide Employment First Coordinator, responsible for implementation of …
By:James Corey

The Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities, established in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), just released its Interim Report on September 15, 2015. This report offers a plethora of ideas for successful implementation of WIOA, and for nationwide investment and expansion of competitive integrated employment for people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or other individuals with significant disabilities. The primary focus of the committee is to increase integrated …
By:James Corey

WISE currently has an opening for the position of Work Study Project Manager. WISE is a not for profit organization dedicated to expanding and sustaining employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Our work is primarily educational. We consult with: Families; Social service providers; Counties; School districts; and Private businesses, providing training and support for those who wish to create employment opportunities in their communities. Click here for the full job description.
The Work Study project manager position is a creative and dynamic employment leadership …
By:James Corey

State Systems Change Efforts: The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) shared the following letter issued by USDOL Secretary Tom Perez, Governor Jack Markell (D-DE) and Governor Dennis Daugaard (R-SD) yesterday to all governors and state governments promoting State Employment First systems-change efforts, and encouraging all state governments to focus on the alignment of policies, practices, and funding resources to prioritize competitive integrated employment as the preferred outcome of day and employment services to youth and adults with significant …
By:James Corey